Liana Clematis × 'Warszawska Nike' [Warsaw Nike Clematis] The Warsaw Nike Clematis has large, rich, velvety reddish-purple flowers that develop on both old and new growth. The root system should be kept cool by deep soil preparation and mulching around base. It is said that Clematis prefer "a warm top and a cool bottom". While this is generally true, provide some shade during the day to the top portion for best results. Climbs by twining stems and clasping leaves, so needs a trellis…
Liana Euonymus fortunei [Wintercreeper Euonymus] Best in soil that is reasonably moist, either in full sun or shade, but not heavy wet soils. Can be used as a wall climber (possibly climbing up to 70') or groundcover. Subject to Euonymus Scale that can kill some plants, especially 'Vegetus' and 'Coloratus'. Can be controlled by proper spraying.
Liana Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' [Coloratus Wintercreeper Euonymus] Can tolerate full sun to full shade. Best in soil that is reasonably moist, but not heavy or wet. Can be used as a wall climber, but is best as a groundcover. This vigorous form turns purplish-plum during the winter months. Can be subject to Euonymus Scale.
Liana Fallopia japonica var. compacta [Low Japanese Fleeceflower] Handsome groundcover with summer color. Adaptable to poor, dry soils. Just a root cutting stuck in poor soil will lead to an aggressive spreading groundcover. Spreads by underground stems; can be very invasive. Fall color not attractive (best to mow it down in the fall).
Liana Hedera helix [English Ivy] Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover only, not as a vine, in Zone 5b, except hardiest cultivars in sheltered sites. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it…
Liana Hedera helix 'Baltica' [Baltica English Ivy] 'Baltica' has smaller leaves with more prominent white veination. Foliage becomes tinged with purple in the winter. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it to…
Liana Hedera helix 'Thorndale' [Thorndale English Ivy] 'Thorndale' is a very hardy cultivar that has large, glossy leaves with striking white veination. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover and vine. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many…
Liana Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris [Climbing Hydrangea] Among the best ornamental vines. Holds to a wall using root-like holdfasts arising from nodes. Grows best in shaded areas. Slow to establish. Best to transplant from a container. Although it can eventaully reach up to 80 feet, its size is controllable, if desired.